6 Chef-hatted Winery Restaurants for a Taste and a Tipple

What could be better – a restaurant in a vineyard?

So many of our vineyards and wineries have taken the next step to heaven providing delicious dining to go with sampling their vino and we are taking the plunge with glass in hand.

Continuing on our voyage of culinary discovery, here are six Chef Hat-awarded winery restaurants for a toast with family and friends:

Expect an immersive sensory experience at St Hugo Restaurant on Barossa Valley Way in Rowland Flat. Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley in a captivating setting overlooking the vineyard, this restaurant and winery pays tribute to winemaking legend Hugo Gramp in stunning surrounds of exposed brick, arched windows and recycled timber.

 

Head to the courtyard, built in 1850, to while away a lazy afternoon tasting estate wine; before delving into a relaxed and flavoursome menu celebrating the best of the Barossa with dishes such as lamb rump, braised garden peas, bacon and lettuce, paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Nestled in Pikes Wines ‘Polish Hill River Estate’ in Sevenhill is award-winning restaurant SLATE. Take in picturesque views of estate vineyards from the alfresco deck with a glass of Riesling in hand, or dine indoors among a romantic and contemporary design of slate, stone and Tasmanian oak.

 

Settle in with a glass of estate Sangiovese Rosé and starters such as tuna tataki, radish, chives and sesame, then indulge the palate with mains like salt-baked pork belly kohlrabi, mustard and fennel; or grilled spatchcock, avocado aioli and spiced tomato salsa for two. Finish indulgently with passionfruit and coconut sorbet, fennel praline and granola.

Nestled at the heart of the estate on Relbia Road in Relbia is the immersive dining experience of Chef-hatted Josef Chromy Restaurant – a must-do lunch spot on your Tamar Valley itinerary. Set among old English gardens, stands of 100-year-old oak trees overlooking a picturesque lake, winery and 61-hectare vineyard, the property is a 15-minute drive south of Launceston.

 

Acclaimed as one of Australia's top 10, the cellar door is housed in an original 1880s homestead; there's always a log fire burning while you taste a wide range of award-winning cool-climate wines and delve into roast duck, preserved plum, braised cos, verdant peas, celeriac crème and duck jus.

Wine, dine and indulge the senses at Pike & Joyce Restaurant on Mawson Road in Lenswood. Perched on top of the hill, you'll find panoramic views of the Onkaparinga Valley from a full glass frontage, where sipping an estate award-winning Chardonnay is highly recommended.

 

On balmy days relax on the balcony as you look out over the 25-acre vineyard and dive into a delicious degustation menu, showcasing premium local Adelaide Hills produce; experience Chef’s ever-changing dishes, such as charred lamb rump, olive boulangere and green tomato.

Those seeking 132 years of winemaking excellence paired with seriously good food head to Brown Brothers Restaurant on Bobinawarrah Road in Milawa. Nestled in Brown Brothers Vineyard, dine alfresco under market umbrellas overlooking the vines, or indoors in a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for enjoying dishes from a menu showcasing fresh produce from the kitchen garden alongside estate wines.

 

A seasonal menu caters for light lunches, shared feasts with family and friends, or a five-course wine and food experience; think starters like cured rainbow trout, whipped cod roe, cucumber and fennel pollen, before lamb rump, broad beans, sheep’s yoghurt and black garlic.

Wine and dine surrounded by native bushland and waterways at TarraWarra Estate Restaurant on Healesville-Yarra Glen Road in Yarra Glen. Visit the subterranean cellar door for an unforgettable tasting experience, or head to the deck shaded by native peppercorn trees to linger over a glass of wine.

 

The dining room awaits with a menu inspired by the kitchen garden and local suppliers, perhaps delve into dishes such as pan-seared and baked Murray Cod with brown butter and ponzu sauce, mushroom, salmon roe and chives, enjoyed with a glass of 2020 Reserve Chardonnay.